Evaluation of the rate of tympanic membrane perforation in otomycosis

Abstract

Introduction: Otomycosis (OM) is an external ear infection of fungi and sometimes associated with tympanic membrane perforation (TMP). In this study, we analyzed and discussed the rate of TMP in otomycotic patients with no other associated pathology. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 120 cases of OM were seen from August 2017 to April 2018 and microscopy with local cleaning was done. Fungal material was collected from all patients individually and sent for Gram staining and histopathological confirmation of fungus species and looked for TMP. Topical clotrimazole (1%) drops were given as empirical treatment with weekly microscopy and follow up to 12 weeks. Results: Eleven cases (9%) had tympanic perforation at the time of the first examination. In all cases with the TMPs, the causative organism was the Aspergillus species. Persistent TMP was present in 6 cases (5%). A total of three persistent TMPs required surgical intervention after 12 weeks. Conclusion: In OM, TMP is not infrequent and it requires careful examination especially under a microscope to identify it.